Livestock and Farm Machinery Stolen in Mid Tyrone

Published: 28 August, 2013

Sinn Féins Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called upon Farmers in the Omagh District to be vigilant after it emerged over £25,000 of farm machinery was stolen over the space of a weekend in the Mid Tyrone area. The Omagh District Council Chairperson also said it had brought to her attention that livestock and machinery were stolen in a spate of robberies over the past number of weeks.

Highlighting the issue and calling for vigilance Cllr Fitzgerald said:

"I would ask farmers and members of the community to be vigilant, particularly in the Mid Tyrone area as this area seems to have been targeted in the recent spate of thefts. Unfortunately such incidents in Mid Tyrone are mirrored in other parts of Tyrone. I am also aware of similar instances of cattle being stolen in Auger and Dungannon in the recent past.

"I would ask that farmers ensure that their property is secured with locks and is well lit to help deter potential thieves. Farmers can also mark their property, so that in cases where they are stolen they can be traced and returned to their owners. Likewise livestock identification will also serve to deter potential thieves. Additionally I would call upon members of the community, particularly those who live in close prolixity to farm land to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

"Local farmers are already finding it hard to make ends meet without having to contend with the theft of their equipment and livestock.